SENATE RESOLUTION 716--ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND GOALS OF THE YOUTH IMPACT PROGRAM -- (Senate - November 20, 2008)
Mr. VITTER submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 716
Whereas many at-risk young men in the inner cities of the United States face a challenging and uncertain future;
Whereas the future success of at-risk young men can be greatly enhanced through sustained mentorship;
Whereas effective working partnerships between and within the public and private sectors can have a lasting and positive impact on the future of at-risk young men;
Whereas participation in organized sports has provided a creative and disciplined outlet and a path to a better life for many at-risk young men;
Whereas the Youth Impact Program combines the disciplines of football, mentoring, and academics in partnerships between local National Football League franchises and universities to promote discipline, learning, and positive values;
Whereas the Youth Impact Program is a community-based program that has proven its value over the past 2 years in raising the outlook and aspirations of at-risk young men and has provided at-risk young men greater exposure to academics, core values, and life skills;
Whereas the Youth Impact Program provides year-round mentoring to its participants, a proven formula for building success;
Whereas the National Football League, the National Football League Players Association, the University of Southern California, and Tulane University have provided critical support to the Youth Impact Program;
Whereas the Youth Impact Program will be expanded to 3 additional cities in partnership with local National Football League franchises and universities;
Whereas the Youth Impact Program seeks to establish a presence in each city with a local National Football League franchise; and
Whereas under the vision and leadership of Mr. Riki Ellison, the founder of the Youth Impact Program, a 10-year veteran of the National Football League, a 3-time Super Bowl champion, and a University of Southern California alumnus, the Youth Impact Program has expanded from a regional program to a program with a growing national presence: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) congratulates Mr. Riki Ellison for his leadership and vision in founding the Youth Impact Program;
(2) recognizes the ongoing and significant contributions of the National Football League, the University of Southern California, and Tulane University to the Youth Impact Program; and
(3) encourages the expansion of the Youth Impact Program to inner cities across the United States.